You shouldn’t have to give up comfort or drain your wallet to keep your home at a pleasant setting during warm days.
But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We go over suggestions from energy specialists so you can choose the best setting for your residence.
Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Brookfield.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temps, your utility bills will be bigger.
These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears too high, there are ways you can keep your home refreshing without having the air conditioning running frequently.
Keeping windows and blinds closed during the day keeps cold air where it belongs—indoors. Some window coverings, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to provide more insulation and better energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temps about 4 degrees warmer without giving up comfort. That’s due to the fact they cool by a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot initially, try conducting an experiment for about a week. Start by increasing your setting to 78 degrees while you’re home. Then, gradually lower it while using the ideas above. You might be surprised at how refreshed you feel at a higher temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the air conditioner running all day while your residence is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees higher can save you as much as 5–15% on your electricity bills, according to the DOE.
When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat below 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t useful and typically produces a higher AC bill.
A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you go.
If you want a convenient remedy, think over installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your residence and when you’re out. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and change temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their sleeping area is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 65–68 degrees. But that could be too chilly, due to your PJ and blanket preference.
We recommend trying a comparable test over a week, moving your temperature higher and gradually turning it down to determine the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you could learn keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a superior solution than using the AC.
More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather
There are added ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and get less efficient as they get older. A new air conditioner can keep your home comfier while keeping electricity costs small.
- Set annual air conditioner maintenance. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment operating like it should and may help it work more efficiently. It can also help prolong its life expectancy, since it enables pros to find small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Follow manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or turn on and off too often, and drive up your energy.
- Check attic insulation levels. Almost 90% of homes in the USA don’t have enough insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork inspected. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your house, like hot and cold spots.
- Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep muggy air where it belongs by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air inside.
Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Central Air LLC
If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Central Air LLC specialists can help. Give us a call at 203-403-6174 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.